Extensive
/ɪkˈstɛnsɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsLarge in amount or degree; covering a wide area.
/ɪkˈstɛnsɪv/
Covering a large area or having a great range.
The library has an extensive collection of books.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big, sprawling park that goes on and on. 'Extensive' is like that – it means something is really, really big or covers a lot of space. Like an extensive library with tons of books!
👶 For kids: When something is extensive, it means it's super big, like a really long road or a huge field.
More Examples
They conducted extensive research before launching the product.
The fire caused extensive damage to the building.
The company offers extensive training programs for its employees.
How It's Used
"The extensive forests of the Amazon."
"An extensive market research report."
"Extensive injuries requiring surgery."
Thorough; detailed.
/ɪkˈstɛnsɪv/
Including or dealing with many details or aspects.
The historian conducted an extensive investigation.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a LEGO castle. 'Extensive' means you include *every* tiny detail, like the flags, the drawbridge, and the secret passages – the whole shebang! It's all there.
👶 For kids: If something is extensive, it means it has lots and lots of parts or details, like a big, detailed drawing.
More Examples
The government has implemented extensive reforms.
She has an extensive knowledge of the subject.
The project required extensive planning and preparation.
How It's Used
"An extensive study of the topic."
"Extensive legal documentation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Extensive care
Care involving intensive medical treatments.
"The patient was admitted to extensive care after the accident."
Extensive reading
Reading a large number of texts for enjoyment and to improve language skills.
"The teacher encouraged extensive reading to improve students' vocabulary."
From Late Latin *extensivus*, from *extendere* meaning 'to stretch out'. The word has been used in English since the 17th century.
Used in scientific and literary contexts since the 17th century. It was used to describe the breadth of knowledge or the range of an area.
Memory tip
Think of 'extend' – something that extends far and wide is extensive.
Word Origin
"to stretch out"